Safest cities in Delaware

Known as the 'First State,' Delaware is small in size but rich in history and charm. Located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, Delaware boasts beautiful coastal areas, historic towns, and vibrant urban centers. The state's economy is bolstered by finance, insurance, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, making it a dynamic place for business and innovation. Wilmington, the largest city, is a hub for financial services and cultural activities, with numerous museums, theaters, and parks. Delaware is also known for its tax-friendly policies, attracting businesses and residents alike.

The safest cities in Delaware offer a high quality of life with low crime rates, enhancing the overall livability of these communities. Safety is a crucial factor in fostering strong, thriving neighborhoods where residents can feel secure. Factors contributing to the safety of Delaware's cities include effective law enforcement, community policing efforts, and active local involvement in public safety initiatives. These cities are ranked based on total crime per 100,000 people, providing a clear and reliable measure of safety. With this focus on security, residents can fully enjoy Delaware's cultural richness, economic opportunities, and natural beauty without the constant concern of crime.

Elsmere Population: 5,814 1,702 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 98 Property Crime / 100k: 1,604 chance of being a victim: 1 in 59

Elsmere proudly holds the honor of being the safest city in Delaware. With only 1,702 crimes per 100,000 people, Elsmere has a crime rate that is 94% lower than the Delaware average. This equates to an average of 0.28 crimes per day and a 1 in 59 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. The city's well-funded police department, active neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives contribute significantly to its low crime rates, making it an ideal place for families and retirees.

Middletown Population: 22,350 2,184 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 367 Property Crime / 100k: 1,817 chance of being a victim: 1 in 46

Known for its tight-knight community and safe environment, Middletown comes in at #2 on our list of the safest cities in Delaware with a crime rate of 2,184 crimes per 100,000 people. When you dig deeper into the numbers, this translates to: 92 counts of burglary, 1,641 counts of theft, 84 counts of vehicle theft, 315 counts of assault, 36 counts of robbery, 16 counts of rape and 0 counts of homicide. The commitment to safety in Middletown, makes it one of the safest and most livable areas in the state.

Newark Population: 33,822 2,389 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 274 Property Crime / 100k: 2,115 chance of being a victim: 1 in 42

With a population of 33,822 and a total crime rate of 2,389 per 100,000 residents, Newark is the 3rd safest city in Delaware. Exhibiting a total crime rate that is 69% lower than the Delaware average, the commitment to safety is evident in its multifaceted crime prevention strategies. The local government collaborates closely with residents through regular community meetings and feedback sessions to address safety concerns. The end result, is an incredibly safe place to live.

Smyrna Population: 11,694 2,664 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 516 Property Crime / 100k: 2,148 chance of being a victim: 1 in 38

With many parks and recreational activities readily available, Smyrna is a growing community where residents can enjoy the outdoors. Residents also feel safe, knowing that the overall crime rate per 100,000 people is 2,664, 87% lower than the Delaware average. This amounts to 0.98 crimes per day and a 1 in 38 chance of becoming a victim of a crime. Strong community partnerships between local businesses, schools, and law enforcement further enhance the city’s security. These combined efforts make Smyrna a highly desirable and safe place to call home.

New Castle Population: 5,302 4,062 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 494 Property Crime / 100k: 3,568 chance of being a victim: 1 in 25

Known for its friendly neighborhoods and proactive safety measures, New Castle consistently ranks high in safety. In New Castle, the focus on community policing ensures that officers are integrated into the community, building strong relationships with residents. Crime prevention education, offered through schools and local organizations, empowers residents to take an active role in maintaining their safety. With everything working asynchronously, the total crime rate comes in at 4,062, which is 95% lower than the state average.

Milford Population: 11,463 4,270 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 675 Property Crime / 100k: 3,594 chance of being a victim: 1 in 23

Milford has lots to offer its residents, including safety as it comes in at #6 on our list of the safest cities in Delaware. The total crime rate from the year that it was last reported was 4,270 crimes per 100,000 people, 87% lower than the Delaware average. Breaking down each category of crime, it comes out to: 263 reports of burglary, 3,099 reports of theft, 233 reports of vehicle theft, 413 reports of assault, 143 reports of robbery, 105 reports of rape and 15 reports of homicide.

Georgetown Population: 7,436 4,461 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 848 Property Crime / 100k: 3,613 chance of being a victim: 1 in 22

Georgetown ranks as the seventh safest city in Delaware and offers a peaceful retreat with minimal crime. With a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim of a crime and 0.94 crimes per day (per 100,000 people), the area has a safety record that speaks for itself. Active involvement from its residents, such as neighborhood patrols and community safety workshops, fosters a strong sense of community and vigilance. Georgetown’s commitment to safety makes it one of the safest places in Delaware.

Wilmington Population: 70,655 4,573 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 1,201 Property Crime / 100k: 3,373 chance of being a victim: 1 in 22

Recognized for sprawling open spaces, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a growing economy, Wilmington is the 8th safest city in Delaware. Continuously ranking as one of the safest cities in the state, the crime rate came in at 29% lower than the Delaware average, reporting a total of 4,573 crimes per 100,000 people. The city places a strong emphasis on public safety through various initiatives that promote collaboration between residents and local authorities. Regular community safety events and lots of outdoor spaces, coupled with an accessible and responsive police force, ensure that residents feel safe and supported.

Dover Population: 37,872 5,349 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 820 Property Crime / 100k: 4,529 chance of being a victim: 1 in 19

Many safe cities implement comprehensive crime prevention programs that include educational initiatives, youth engagement activities, and public awareness campaigns. Dover is a great example of such a city and continually ranks as one of the safest communities in Delaware, based on the annual review of the FBI uniform crime report. Statistically speaking, there were a total of 5,349 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 62% lower than the state average.

Seaford Population: 7,897 7,213 total crimes per 100k

Violent Crime / 100k: 962 Property Crime / 100k: 6,251 chance of being a victim: 1 in 14

Completing the list as the 10th safest city in Delaware, is Seaford. With a low rate of crime that included 622 burglaries, 5,348 thefts, 281 vehicle thefts, 809 assaults, 117 robberies, 23 rapes and 12 homicides, the overall crime rate was 91% lower than the state average. Cities with engaged citizens and responsive government bodies are more likely to implement effective policies and practices that promote safety and address residents’ concerns.

Full list of the safest cities in Delaware

Rank	Location	Population	Violent Crimes /100k	Property Crimes /100k	Total Crimes /100k
1	Elsmere	5,814	98	1,604	1,702
2	Middletown	22,350	367	1,817	2,184
3	Newark	33,822	274	2,115	2,389
4	Smyrna	11,694	516	2,148	2,664
5	New Castle	5,302	494	3,568	4,062
6	Milford	11,463	675	3,594	4,270
7	Georgetown	7,436	848	3,613	4,461
8	Wilmington	70,655	1,201	3,373	4,573
9	Dover	37,872	820	4,529	5,349
10	Seaford	7,897	962	6,251	7,213

Methodology

The AreaVibes list of the safest cities in Delaware is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reporting program (UCR Program) from their most recent release. To compile this list, we used violent crime (assualt, robbery, rape and murder) and property crime data (burglary, theft, vehicle theft) per 100,000 people and only included Delaware cities with a population of 5,000 or more. Displaying crime rates based on a population of 100,000 allows for an equal comparison for each city.

Map of Crime by State

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The interactive map above is a powerful tool for discovering the safest cities in each state across the USA. By highlighting states with the lowest total crime rates, this map provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to these statistics. It showcases urban centers with thriving economies, regions boasting solid job markets, and areas with low unemployment, all of which correlate with reduced crime rates. By clicking on each state, you can dive deeper into information about their safest cities and explore detailed crime statistics that paint a clearer picture of safety across the nation.